Unused, expired medications wanted — no questions asked

  • Published
  • By 377th Medical Group
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Team Kirtland members who have unused or expired medications will have an opportunity to get rid of them safely this month.

The semiannual Drug Enforcement Agency National Prescription Take-Back Day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at the 377th Medical Group clinic lobby and Oct. 26 at the Kirtland Exchange south entrance.

The National Prescription Take Back Day is a joint effort of the DEA, 377th MDG, and 377th Security Forces Squadron. Pharmacy personnel will accept all unwanted or expired medications -- no questions asked.

Drug take-back days are for individuals to turn-in any medications, both prescription and overthe- counter. No syringes or other injectable devices will be accepted. Participants in the upcoming drug take-back day should remove labels from their medication containers so that no personally identifiable information is visible. All medications will be transported to an approved facility for incineration, the industry standard for safe disposal of unwanted medicines.

Unsafe disposal of unused or expired prescriptions or over-the-counter medications by pouring them down the sink or flushing them in the toilet can cause environmental harm; additionally, medications thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold.

According to the DEA, the majority of teenagers who abuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends or from the home medicine cabinet; children and pets may also have access to medications, leading to accidental poisoning. Together, we can keep our communities safe.

For more information on prescription drug abuse, visit http://www.dea.org.